Build your own fabric headboard

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Before you start there are just a few things we need to get out of the way. Firstly, you are going to need to measure the width of your bed. A headboard should be at least 5cm wider than the bed. Then you’ll need to determine the height of your head board. Whilst some might look to the style of the bedroom as a reference point, we’d like to ask the more practical question – do you read in bed? If you don’t then style away, but if you do then a taller headboard would be better.

Speaking of styling, it’s time to decide on your headboard’s shape. Rectangular boards are best if you’re new to the DIY game, but curved edges can add an elegant touch. Sketch out your designs on a scrap piece of paper and tape to the wall above your bed. Take the time to consider your choices carefully; you’ll be waking up next to this headboard every morning after all. This goes for the fabric too! Pick something that goes with the rest of the room, an upholstery that covers the ottoman in the corner perhaps?

Now that that is out of the way it is down to business.

Supplies

Jigsaw

Pencil

Permanent marker

Scissors

Staple gun with ¼ inch staples

Tape measure

Stanley knife

Medium sandpaper

1.6cm plywood large enough to meet your design specifications

Enough 5cm – 7.5cm thick medium density foam to cover your headboard

Enough good quality fabric and batting to cover the board, wrap around the foam and secure on the other side (@ least 30cm wider than the board should cut it).

Flush mounting / D-hook hanging brackets (@ least 2)

Instructions

• If you’ve decided on a stylised headboard, mark your template on your plywood and cut out the design using a jigsaw. Smooth off any rough edges with come sandpaper.
• Cut your foam to shape with by laying it flat on the ground, with your plywood board placed directly on top. Use the Stanley knife for this step, making sure to follow the edge of the wood closely.
• Check your chosen fabric for any creases and iron if necessary.
• Lay the fabric right side down on a clean section of your floor. Lay the batting over the fabric – these two should be the same size. Taking care to make sure that it is centred, lay the cut foam on top of the batting. Add the final layer to the sandwich by placing the plywood on top of the foam.
• Using your staple gun attach the fabric and batting to the plywood. Space the stapled roughly 5cm apart and pull the fabric tight enough so that you get a smooth, upholstered look, but not so tight that any designs are stretched or warped. When it comes to the corners create an attractive edge by pinching and overlapping the fabric before stapling. If your corners are curved, it’s best to start stapling in the centre and slowing work your way out.
• Neaten up the edges by trimming off any excess fabric and batting.
• All that is left now is to mount the headboard on the wall. Using flush mounted or D-hook hanging brackets will ensure that the board hangs flat against the wall. Attach at least 2 of these brackets to the back of the board. Carefully measure and mark the position of your screws on the wall. Drill your holes, place a plug inside the holes and screw in the screws so that only 3mm extends from the wall. Finally hang your new headboard and enjoy a stylish night’s sleep.

Sprucing up your room on a budget? Get top quality designer upholstery at wholesale prices from Fabric and Textile Warehouse. Call us on 0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX for more info. 

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